Land Reclamation a Long-Term Investment for Food Security, Says Deputy Minister

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, has emphasized that the nation's land reclamation program is a crucial long-term investment for ensuring food security. He clarified that transforming land, particularly swampy areas, into productive agricultural fields is a gradual process that requires several planting cycles before yielding significant harvests.

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Don't imagine that land reclamation today means planting tomorrow and harvesting five or 10 tons. That's not possible because it requires several cycles.

Sudaryono pointed to successful projects in Central Kalimantan, where approximately 51,000 hectares of former swamp land are now being utilized for agriculture after a development period. Another example is in Merauke Regency, South Papua, where the Kurik District's rice fields can now be harvested up to three times a year following years of development.

The deputy minister identified water management as the primary challenge in these reclamation efforts, stating that while seeds and fertilizers can be provided, water availability is paramount. Therefore, the program prioritizes areas with sufficient water resources. The initiative also includes farmer training, provision of agricultural machinery, and distribution of superior seeds to enhance community welfare in developing agricultural regions.

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Seeds can be created, fertilizers can be prepared, but water cannot be created. Water can only be managed, so we focus on areas with water availability.

Despite Indonesia achieving self-sufficiency in several food commodities, Sudaryono stressed the continued necessity of the land reclamation program. He cited the growing population as a key factor, asserting that these projects will serve as a vital food reserve for the next 50 to 100 years, ensuring long-term food availability.

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Our population continues to grow, so this becomes a food reserve for the next 50 to 100 years.